Opera is and always has been shrouded in mystery and surrounded by romance and surprise. And the drama of the buildings is no less sensational than the on-stage dramas. Gustavus III of Sweden was assassinated at the opera - giving rise to Un ballo in maschera - and is there really - was there ever - a phantom of the Paris Opera?

Built either on the fabulous wealth of private patrons, or to express fervent civic pride, these impressive edifices with their ornate interior and exterior decorations and their dramatic personalities have been perfectly captured in Andras Kaldor's stunning architectural paintings.

The text accompanying the illustrations relates the histories of these 18th and 19th century pleasure palaces - the architects, the composers, the stars, the directors, the premieres, not to mention the regularity of fires which have destroyed so many houses only to see them rebuilt. Alongside are reminiscences and anecdotes from artists, conductors, directors and designers who have had personal associations with the opera houses.